“Forever number 1!!!!!”
That was Vinicius Jr’s contribution, dropped into the comments beneath Cristiano Ronaldo’s Instagram retirement video. The Real Madrid winger’s message landed within hours of Ronaldo announcing his exit from Portugal on Thursday, bringing the curtain down on a 23-year international run.
Ronaldo, 41, confirmed the decision in an emotional video posted to his own channels. “To the Portuguese people, the day has come for me to hand back the number 7 shirt of our National Team,” he said, having worn it for 23 years “with the privilege and the responsibility of wearing it.”
His Portugal career closes with 234 appearances and 146 goals, both national records, as well as Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles on the honors list.
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A fallout with Jorge Jesus
The retirement followed a public breakdown with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus during the September international window. Ronaldo left the camp by private jet before a Nations League fixture against Denmark, saying later that Jesus had promised him playing time against Norway and failed to follow through. He served a 30-day suspension before announcing his decision.
Jesus, who took charge of Portugal in July 2026, addressed the departure the same day.
“Cristiano is a global icon, an example for Portugal and the national team,” he told reporters, adding that he had asked the captain to stay on but now had to accept his choice.
The tributes from Madrid and beyond
Vinicius Jr was not alone. Former Real Madrid and Portugal teammate Pepe wrote under the same post: “It was more than football. Thank you for everything, Cris.”
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Bruno Fernandes, Ronaldo’s Portugal successor as captain and former Manchester United colleague, posted his own: “Thank you for the inspiration. It was a privilege to share great moments with my childhood idol.”
Neymar called him a “legend.” Rio Ferdinand summed up the record in numbers, noting the 146 international goals and “3 major trophies.” Sergio Ramos, who lifted four Champions League titles alongside Ronaldo in Madrid, kept his reaction short: “Really…?? You’re a legend, bro! Enjoy the other things in life.”
For Vinicius Jr, the link runs through the Bernabeu. Ronaldo spent nine seasons in Madrid, where his attacking identity set a template the Brazilian has inherited as the club’s current standard-bearer. The tribute was brief, but it was pointed: of all the superlatives available, the Brazilian chose the one Ronaldo has literally carried on his back for most of his career.
Ronaldo’s final competitive appearance for Portugal came at the 2026 World Cup, where Spain beat the Portuguese 1-0 in the Round of 16 on 6 July in a stoppage-time Mikel Merino strike. He had already called that tournament his “last dance” on the world stage. His retirement, announced four months later, now makes it official.
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